My packet arrived with a lot of fun goodies for back to school. Inside were personalized labels and bookbag tags for my grandson Nicholas just in time for his first day of school. mabel's labels made his day easier and my day less hectic knowing his things were personalized with good quality labels and the great thing was I didn't have to use an ugly black permanent market. Nicholas had his own name on his own labels which got him excited about back to school.

Thanks mabel's labels for making back to school a breeze! I give then two thumbs up and a gold star...

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Today's Advocating for Another prompt is Parenting isn’t all sunshine and ice cream – it’s hard. Write a post that delves into 3 challenges that you face as a parent.

When my grandson was born he looked "normal", I knew the possibility that he wouldn't be because his mother(my daughter) has mental issues and his father did also. Of course I prayed Nicholas wouldn't inherit their genetics. My prayers went unanswered, but over time I've come to accept God didn't make a mistake and my grandson is who he is suppose to be.

For the last eight years raising Nicholas has been a challenge. If I had to pick only three(of course there are more)I would choose the challenges of discipline, education and everyday life.

How do I as a stand-in parent choose to discipline a child who has SPD? When my grandson was a toddler discipline was never a major problem. It wasn't until he turned 4 that discipline flew out the window. Nothing works with Nicholas. Because of his condition, he ignores all forms of punishment(at home that is). I'm not saying there haven't been discipline issues at school, but home is where he seems to act out the most. It's not a picnic or a walk in the park raising Nicholas, but God dealt me this hand and I know someday and someway I will get through the discipline hand and learn from my mistakes and actually learn from my grandson what works best for him.

Education from the time Nicholas started school has been a major issue. We fought all through K5 to get him put in special ed. It wasn't until the end of the school year he was placed where he should have been. In 1st grade we had a lot of issues with his teacher. Nicholas did not like her and rebelled. Of course things did get better once he was in 2nd grade. He loved his teacher and became a star student. This school year is 3rd grade and a new school. I don't know how it will turn out. So far, so good. We will stay on our toes and tuned in to make sure all goes well. It's just another hand in the game of life with Nicholas.

Everyday life issues is a challenge in our house. They are days when he can become irritated, combative and abusive. They are days when he is happy and calm. I never know what the day will bring, but I always try to be up to the challenge and prepared for the worst. I would prefer the best, but it doesn't always happen as planned. Nicholas is a hand full, but he's my ace and I wouldn't trade all the gold in the world for another grandchild....

For more information about Advocating for Another Carnival 2012 go here. If you tweet the event use #A4Amonth

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Today's prompt for Advocating for Another is List time! Write 5-10 of your favorite things about your loved one. Celebrate their uniqueness and be sure to tell us why
those are your favorite things.

Today I get to share my favorite things about my grandson Nicholas...

10. He is honest. I love that in my grandson. He's at the age(8) where he tells you like it is whether it hurts your feelings or not. Sometimes he's too honest.
9. He is gentle. I love my grandson's gentle nature. He is a nurturing soul who cares about others.
8. He is smart. Although he is a special ed. my grandson is smart. He knows more than I did when I was his age.
7. He is charming. Nicholas has a way of charming those around him. He could be a snake charmer.
6. He is kind. Nicholas wouldn't hurt a fly. He treats everyone around him with kindness and care.
5. He is helpful. When something needs to be done, Nicholas is the first to jump in.
4. He is clever. He is always figuring out how things work or how to do something.
3. He is independent. Nicholas likes to do things on his own.
2. He is stubborn. I'm not sure I like this quality, because he's too much a reflection of myself.
1. He is dependable. I know I can always count on him no matter what.

For more information about Advocating for Another Carnival 2012 go here. If you tweet the event use #A4Amonth

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Today is the first day of Advocating for Another Carnival 2012. Today's prompt is Write a descriptive portrait of your children. Share qualities that make them, them – and include an image! (A photo or creative work of them!)

Nicholas is a character! He's funny and smart. Nicholas is empathetic. He wears his feelings on his sleeve. Nicholas is handsome, loving, honest, happy, sad and a plethora of emotions and characteristics but most importantly Nicholas is Nicholas.

For more information about Advocating for Another Carnival 2012 go here. If you tweet the event use #A4Amonth.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

August is 'Advocating for Another' month at WEGO Health and they're focusing on the needs and conversations of both parents and caregivers. As part of that, they'll be holding regular panel discussions during the month of August focusing on parenting and caregiving topics like how to care for yourself while advocating for another, parenting and special needs, and transitioning care. They're hoping to involve anyone who is active within the parenting or caregiving communities online so I hope you'll join in: http://info.wegohealth.com/hartpc

For parents. For moms, dads, guardians, or other. Whether you advocate for a health condition of your child (or children) or just dedicate your life to parenting – this is the track for you. Join us in blogging every day from Tuesday, August 21st until Tuesday, August, 28th.

Get the Advocating for Another Carnival – Parenting Edition Prompt List here.